Chapter 1165: Father-in-law and son-in-law, congenial interests (2/2)

Very soon, Su Xiaoyu called over the black-robed man and said, “Tell your sect leader that I’ve made up my mind. My master and I want to see him.”

Soon eough, the guard was leading them back to the platform of bones. Once they entered the familiar hall, a faint fragrance of tea assaulted their nostrils.

Long Feiye smiled and said, “To be able to drink Winterflake tea here, I expect the leaves must have come from the black tea on the shores of the Ice Sea.”

Han Chen was sitting right by the tea table. He didn’t speak, but personally poured another cup and invited Long Feiye to join him. Long Feiye cupped his fist in thanks before easily taking a seat. He slowly savored the tea and didn’t speak much. Neither did Han Chen.

The subordinates around them only felt doubt in their hearts. Their sect master had a secret hobby of collecting his own tea leaves. He disliked drinking tea bought from the outside or tea leaves gifted by outsiders. This East Qin crown prince could tell the origins of the tea leaves just by taking a sniff? Isn’t that too professional? Is he a tea fanatic too?

Su Xiaoyu stood where she was and stole a peek at Han Chen, then a more timid one towards Long Feiye. She didn’t feel like these two were father and son at all. Rather, they seemed like longtime tea friends.

After finishing a cup, Long Feiye said, “These were picked a month and a half ago and set out to dry in the hot sun. They’ve also been mixed with freshly picked osmanthus from this autumn. This cup was from the first brew, but I’ve heard the second brew has the best flavor. May I try another cup?”

Han Chen’s indifferent eyes suddenly lit up as he arched a brow at Long Feiye. “I didn’t expect you to be an insider as well!”

Long Feiye only smiled wordlessly.

Han Chen immediately brewed a second cup. After tasting it, Long Feiye shook his head. “It’s the wrong type of water. Water from the Ice Sea can’t compare to spring water. If senior doesn’t might, try brewing it with that next time, it’ll improve the taste.”

Han Chen smiled, a wordless quirk of his lips identical to Long Feiye’s. He immediately had his subordinates bring over fresh tea leaves and spring water. Like that, the duo began to discuss the Way of Tea in detail. They took so long that Su Xiaoyu’s legs were getting sore from standing around. She secretly crossed her legs and sat down.

If it was just Han Chen alone, she would have piped up ages ago, but she didn’t dare with His Highness around. The two taciturn men were actually getting more and more into their conversation despite their lack of smiles. At last, Han Chen actually gifted Long Feiye a tin of Violet Tea. Long Feiye might turn up his nose at typical tea leaves, but he was extremely happy with Han Chen’s present.

Su Xiaoyu listened to them talk while reviewing her conversation with His Highness. She had no idea how much of His Highness’s actions towards Han Chen was sincere, but she was sure that His Highness would definitely screw Han Chen over in a game of schemes!

Finally, Han Chen looked over at Su Xiaoyu and said, “Girl, you’ve decided?”

Bolstering her spirits, Su Xiaoyu declared, “I have!”

Han Chen didn’t ask any more, but waited for her answer.

Su Xiaoyu only adopted a hesitant air and said, “I can take you as my master, but I have one condition.” She wanted to see Han Chen’s reaction, but he didn’t do anything. Thus, she went on, “I beg senior to return the nine toxic teardrops and Bai Yanqing to my master. For the sake of hunting those teardrops down, my master underwent countless dangers and brushes with death. For the sake of capturing Bai Yanqing, she almost had a miscarriage and lost her baby…”

“And if this Honorable One isn’t willing?” Han Chen cut her off.

“Taking others’ belongings isn’t the conduct of a gentleman! It’s even worse if you’re stealing their hard work! I, Su Xiaoyu, will never take such a person to be my master!” Su Xiaoyu declared.

Han Chen fell silent. After a while, he said emotionlessly, “A single Ning Jing was exchanged for Bai Yanqing and 20 years of peace in Cloud Realm Continent’s northern borders. How is taking the nine toxic teardrops any example of stealing others’ hard work?”

“Even if it isn’t, it’s like robbing a burning house!” Su Xiaoyu huffed.

Han Chen’s gaze swept towards Long Feiye as he gave a cold snort. “Su Xiaoyu, even your family’s master has no objections, so why are you bothering with all this effort?”

“I can’t stand to see my family’s master be wronged or unhappy! Especially when the one bullying her is her own father!” Su Xiaoyu smiled coldly. “First Han Congan picked on her, then Bai Yanqing, and even a birth father like you! Even a monkey born out of a stone with no parents[2] has a better life than she does! As I see it, she won’t even acknowledge you as her father in 10 years!”

Despite Su Xiaoyu’s lecturing, Han Chen remained unmoved. He only said calmly, “These terms are impossible. Change it to something else.”

Just how steel-hearted can he be? Su Xiaoyu was beginning to wonder whether he knew what emotions were at all, much less desires! Provoking him had no effects whatsoever!

“I won’t! If you’re not sincere about taking a disciple, then forget it! I’ll have to trouble you to let me out!” As Su Xiaoyu turned to leave, Long Feiye spoke up.

His voice was mild as she suggest, “I believe Yunxi’s been in low spirits these days because of this very matter. Senior, how about this? This junior will draw up some terms for your consideration.”

1. This is exactly what one of you readers pointed out in an earlier chapter comment. Kudos to you for reading LFY’s mind ahead of time!

2. This sounds like an oblique reference to the Monkey King, a character in the Chinese classic Journey to the West, who was indeed born from a stone.